Fostering really is Forrest Gump's box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. We've had all sorts, which has been great; but when we began fostering we hoped for teenagers because we felt we'd be able to manage them best.So here we are now with two teenagers in the house, the one we used to call eldest who is now no longer the eldest, and Joe who who has been with us for...
Thursday, July 29, 2021
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
NEVER BEEN CALLED "MUM" THIS QUICK
Been a gap in my blog posting because a new child has arrived.He's actually a dream placement (oh yes, they're out there, most times you only hear about the challenges).He's 17 years old coming up 18. His being fostered is being wound down, tapered off. Won't be long before he's out in the world fending for himself.He's sturdy physically and emotionally. Carries himself with dignity, wit and...
Monday, July 12, 2021
TO FEED A FOSTER CHILD
Food is right up there in the minds of most foster children.Funny, I must mention this to Blue Sky; to my knowledge we've not yet had a training session on cooking for looked-after kids.When a young body's growing it gets hungry and in many chaotic homes mealtimes are…let's say unpredictable.In our house we're the opposite; weekday breakfast is 7.30am, tea's at 5.30pm. Weekends are more relaxed...
Friday, July 09, 2021
THE ART OF REVERSE PSYCHOLOGY
One of my happiest memories in fostering is a tale of reverse psychology. At least I think it's reverse psychology, the colleague who worked it on me was a dab hand and the trick is to make sure the other party isn't aware of it.I'd used reverse psychology with our own children with modest success, I think they tumbled pretty quick. Getting them to drink water was a long battle. I tried calling it...
Saturday, July 03, 2021
ON BEING GIVEN 'ADVICE'
A reader writes;"Maybe you can direct me to the posts if you've written about this before, but do you have any advice for dealing with well-meaning family and friends who have concerns(read: fears) about my family's interest in fostering ? For example, teenage boys seem to make people really nervous ("aren't you afraid they will steal, lie, do drugs, abuse your bio kids??") Husband and I aren't...